Distribution of Mn in pink elbaitic tourmaline from Mogok, Myanmar

Abstract

The local structure of Mn in a pink elbaitic tourmaline from Mogok, Myanmar, was studied using the Mn K–edge X–ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) technique. The observed edge energy of Mn was rather near that of Mn²⁺, and the corresponding nearest neighbor Mn–O distance of 2.09 Å supported the overall preference of Mn²⁺. Simulation of the XAFS spectra implied the distribution of Mn at the distorted octahedral site (Y–site). The present paper also provides detailed structural features obtained by single crystal X–ray diffraction.